By Mary O’KEEFE

Prom Plus held a successful pancake breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 8 at St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church. This was the first official fundraiser for Prom Plus’ new board of directors and members.

“Overall, we’re happy with our turnout! We’re still trying to get word out that we’re still here,” said Drew Massingill, Prom Plus president. “But there were a lot of smiling faces and fun conversations. [We’re] looking forward to our next event.”

For over 30 years Prom Plus, a non-profit organization, was created to have a safe, but fun, place for Crescenta Valley High School (CVHS) to go after prom. Last year it was thought that Prom Plus had run its course. It was still a valued organization in the community; however, those who led the organization for many years felt it was time to step back. It was feared the organization would end but then volunteer parents stepped up and a new generation took the reins. 

Prom Plus started as a grassroots effort by parents and community members after the murder in 1991 of a CVHS senior. Senior Berlyn Cosman and some fellow classmates attended an unsupervised after-prom party at an Anaheim hotel. Berlyn was asleep when a young man, who was 19 at the time and who was also from the Crescenta Valley area, shot and killed her. The loss rocked the CV community in many ways. The founding members of Prom Plus wanted to do something to support students by giving them an alternative to an unsupervised after-prom party.

Although the tragedy was over 30 years ago, prom night is still one of the most dangerous nights in a teen’s life, primarily due to traffic accidents including involving drunk drivers. 

Prom Plus offers an alternative that can keep kids safe. The event is held each year at the YMCA of the Foothills and to Crescenta Valley High School seniors and their guests offers a full casino, games like a mechanical bull, bungee run and zip line, and lots of food throughout the night. 

Prom Plus is looking for volunteers and for more members to join its ranks. The organization is also in need of funds to offer the Prom Plus event, which costs on average about $22,000 to $25,000. 

Anyone who would like more information or would like to donate to Prom Plus can visit www.promplus.org or email info@promplus.org.